“What does success mean to you?” 

Thirty-two alumni across Chicago were asked this central question during the Junior Class Retreat on Thursday, August 27, and Friday, August 28.

Juniors were tasked with visiting alumni at their workplaces or coffee shops to interview them about their definitions of success. The goal was to give students the opportunity to learn about the diverse paths alumni have taken since their time at Latin and to hear firsthand how their perspectives on success have evolved.

While the retreat has become a junior-year tradition, this year it was expanded so that students could use two days to carry out their interviews. The Alumni Office recruited 18–19 alumni hosts each day, for a total of 32. Of those 32 alumni, 20 volunteered for the retreat for the first time.

Students visited a wide variety of workplaces across Chicago, including Chicago City Hall, McDonald’s headquarters, the Adler Planetarium, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Joffrey Ballet and the Consulate General of Japan. Juniors also visited a number of alumni-owned businesses, including Crying Tiger, Berco’s Popcorn, Plot & Prose, The Romance Room podcast, Schatz Studio, Club Pilates Chicago and LVLUP Coffee.

While visiting their chosen locations, juniors got an inside look at their hosts' careers. At the Adler Planetarium, Ruthie Neumeier ’07 gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the museum. Ella McCann ’08 welcomed students to the Consulate of Japan with a traditional tea ceremony. Visiting City Hall gave students a special look at the chamber where Alderman Bill Conway ’96 works.

Students shared that they were exposed to new perspectives on success and enjoyed learning about the variety of experiences alumni brought to the conversations. Alumni were impressed by the thoughtful questions students asked and enjoyed hearing about the experiences and perspectives of current Latin students.

Thank you to all of the alumni listed below for the incredible support and contributions you have made to the Junior Class this year. 

 Drew Beres ’01, Jenny Cizner ’95, Catie Cronister ’16, Erin Hanlon ’95, Julianna Jarik ’13, Richard Mbouombouo ’17, Ella McCann ’08, Margie Muller ’13, Anne Rockey ’92, Julie Sarne ’12, Lincoln Schatz ’82, Abby Phelps ’98, Wendy Onofre-Shah ’09, Alexander Abell ’92, Bill Conway ’96, Amarit Dulyapaibul ’04, Kris Ekdahl ’03, Arianna Jamerson ’06, Tiffany Madigan ’96, Alexa Markman ’15, Ruthie Neumeier ’07, Alex Norrod ’10, Caroline Quazzo-Elnick ’08, Kelly Seeman ’95, Samantha Siegel ’12, Tyler Stratton ’09, Shelby Brody Ramirez ’11, Matt Bercovitz ’01, Charlie Gofen ’83, Shani Hebert ’96, Alex Schabel ’91, Tanarra Schneider ’92

Earlier this month, Latin alumna Whitney White ’04 became the first Black woman to receive two Tony Award nominations for Best Direction of a Play and was the only woman nominated in the category this year.

Her direction of "Liberation," written by Bess Wohl, helped earn the production five Tony nominations. The play went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play and was also awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

White received her first Tony Award nomination in 2024 for her direction of "Jaja’s African Hair Braiding." Her successful Broadway debut in 2023 led to the show being extended twice before transferring to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2025.

While at Latin, Whitney was deeply involved in the performing arts, participating in the theater ensemble and choirs during her four years in the Upper School. She was also a member of the Black Student Union, the basketball team, and the track and field team.

We congratulate Whitney on her achievements and look forward to celebrating her continued successes throughout her theater career.  

You can learn more about Whitney's accomplishments at https://whitney-white.com/. 
 

When did you start playing soccer?

I first started at Little Kickers when I was 2, then I played AYSO, and joined my first travel team at 7. I’ve played with Eclipse since I was 13 years old.

What do you enjoy about playing soccer?

It’s definitely my favorite sport. I look forward to playing the game and training toward it. I never get bored of it, and there's always more to keep working for. I've learned a lot of valuable lessons and met so many people through it.

How do you contribute to the team culture at Latin?

I try to share my opinions and tips because I have a lot of experience playing. As a captain this year, I tried to work on my leadership, be a good role model to my teammates, and be an example of the team’s values by showing that I care for and support my team.

What do you appreciate most about being on a team at Latin?

Getting to be on a team for your high school is a special experience because you meet people from other grades and start new friendships. Playing for your school is a lot different than playing for a club team, and you feel closer to the school community.

What is a favorite memory you have from being on the team?

Every year, my favorite memory has been the practices over the second week of spring break. I’ve made a lot of funny memories doing two-a-days and spending the whole day with teammates.

Do you have any pre- or post-game rituals?

The team always listens to the same pre-game playlist during warmups.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?

Energetic, motivated and committed.

How do you feel being in your last season of Latin soccer?

I didn’t always know if I’d be able to play at Latin while playing for a high-level club. So getting to play all four years and having a bigger role this year…it’s nice to look back and see how the team has grown.

Highlight of the season so far?

A big 6-0 win against Parker at Montrose.

Though your playing season ended sooner than expected with an injury, what’s one thing you’re most proud of this season?

One personal thing was breaking the goal record. What matters more, though, is that going into this season, the team knew we had a lot of spots to fill. It’s been great to see people step into those roles and play new positions. Everyone is supporting each other and doing whatever is asked of them.

At 91 goals scored, how does it feel to have broken the school’s record for all time-career goals scored?

It’s a nice honor to say that I left a legacy at Latin, especially through soccer since it’s a big part of my life.

Who has contributed to your soccer journey? Who would you like to thank and why?

There are a lot of people I want to thank. However, the ones at the top of the list are my parents. They’ve always supported me through my soccer journey, but they also know it’s my journey and have let me make my decisions.

From joining different teams to going through the college recruiting process, my parents have helped me navigate every soccer experience and stay focused on the good throughout the process.

What are your hopes for the girls soccer program at Latin?

With new people coming in and out of the program each year, it’s important to try to improve as a team each season and make sure that players are individually ready for bigger goals. I’d like for the team culture to stay how it is - happy and fun.

What advice would you give to someone who hopes to play at your level?

Stay true to your goals, but also be adaptable. Never get too set on one thing or yourself, because soccer is a team sport. At the end of the day, what matters is improving for yourself, but also doing it for the people around you. 

What’s next after Latin?

After Latin, I’m going to Williams College where I'll play on the women’s soccer team. 
 

We spoke with Coach Cronister regarding his time as Lauren’s coach at Latin.

Coach Cronister, you’ve had the pleasure of coaching Lauren for all four years at Latin. What do you enjoy most about having her on the team and in the program?

Lauren is one of the best players to ever play varsity girls soccer in the school’s history. She now holds the all-time career scoring record at 91 goals. She loves soccer, and it shows. Also, she is incredibly dedicated to the sport and is always working to improve her skills, fitness and soccer IQ. Lastly, she is positive, full of energy and passionate about soccer.

How could other players learn from Lauren?

Lauren is a great role model for other players. She leads by example, has a wealth of soccer knowledge that she shares with other players, is an incredibly hard worker on the field, and is a supportive teammate.
 

Congratulations to the varsity girls soccer team on a 15-4 record this season. Join us to celebrate all of our spring athletic teams on Tuesday, June 2, at the Upper School Spring Sports Celebration. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Upper School Field Gym.

 

 

When did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was 4, and my dad’s entire family started playing at a young age. It’s been in our family from the start.

What has tennis taught you over the years?
The fact that tennis is an individual sport, you have to face a lot of adversity on your own. Everyone has different playing styles and you have to adapt for each match.

What are your goals with tennis this season? Hopes for the boys tennis program?
I really think our team can get the state title this year. I’m also going for the state title in the singles draw. I think we should do very well at conference and sectionals and bring back both of those titles.

Me and Mark, the other captain, really care about the program. We want the program to do well and have worked to create a family environment on the team.

What do you enjoy about playing tennis?
I enjoy the reflection time when I’m alone, but also the team environment we’ve created at Latin. When I’m playing club, it’s pretty individualistic and everyone’s working for themselves. However, the people here support you and you support your teammates. The community aspect is so nice, rather than doing everything individually. 

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?
This is coated with love - pushy. I’m always pushing my teammates to do better and incentivizing them to want to be better. I would also say caring and hard-working.

Any pre-match or match day rituals?
Before a match or practice, I try to make sure everyone is on the bus so we can be together as a team and listen to music. Getting a good warmup before each match is also important to me.

During a match, I go to my towel after every point, no matter what. I am super cognizant of staying hydrated during the match to avoid cramping. I’ll drink LMNT and water and stretch after each game. No superstitions or anything, though. 

What advice would you give to someone who hopes to play tennis at your level
Tennis is one of those sports where you need a ton of repetition. Talent can only get you so far. In the end, it’s about who’s going to put in the hours behind the scenes. 

You have to make sacrifices for athletics and be cognizant of the tradeoffs in committing to a sport. The earlier you can find a balance that allows you to work hard and be happy with your decision-making, the better.

What is a favorite memory you have from playing tennis at Latin?
Playing doubles with my older brother my freshman year. We had a very good season and won state as a team. My brother and I were the favorites to win the state title in doubles that year, but I got a cramp in the semifinal match and we lost. We were sad about it at the time, but have come to appreciate how special it was to be able to play our whole season together.

How do you feel being in your last year of tennis at Latin?
I’m definitely sad. I've made so many nice memories and the team has been such a nice community to have. The relationships you develop on a sports team over multiple years create a strong bond.

Our team is really good and it’s so nice to get to play with such great players every day. I’m surrounded by guys who face the same challenges and push themselves in the same way. It’s great, especially in such a small community like Latin.

Favorite warm-up song?
Not one song in particular, but I’ve been listening to a lot of Ken Carson.

Who has contributed to your tennis journey? Who would you like to thank and why
That’s a sweet question! I’d say there are three parts to that answer.

First, of course, are my parents. They’ve taken me to tournaments across the country and have been super supportive with my decision-making around tennis, letting me make choices for myself and helping me along the way. They’ve allowed me to step back from tennis when needed and it’s helped me figure out how to tackle things.

I've also had supportive coaches who have been very invested in my success, which has helped me become the player I am today.

Within Latin tennis, fellow captain Mark T. has been such a great friend on and off the court over the past four years. We push and help each other, which has made me a better player and gotten me excited for every season.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?
I find this with every student at the school - Latin is such a big part of our identities, so we carry that with us everywhere we go. Our team has only nine players and we’re together on those courts every day. We’ve formed such strong bonds and the support we share at matches has deepened them.

Any upcoming events that you would like to shout out for fellow Romans to come cheer you and your teammates on at?
This weekend (May 1-2), we have our “pre-state” invitational at Hersey High School, where all the best teams in the state will play out in the northern suburbs.

Next weekend (May 8-9), we have another invitational at Deerfield High School with a ton of great teams, so that will be exciting to watch.

Also, the state tournament is the last weekend of May (May 28-30) at Palatine High School…people should come!

What’s next after Latin?
I’m going to Georgetown University next year. I definitely plan to play club tennis, but I’ve talked to the coach of Georgetown’s tennis team and there are a lot of opportunities to get involved with them. Hopefully, if a spot opens up in future years, I’ll have the chance to take it. Fingers crossed for that!

We asked Coach Sabatino a few questions about what it’s like getting to coach Kiyan:

How many years have you been coaching Kiyan?
1 year/season

What do you enjoy about having Kiyan on the team and in Latin's tennis program
Kiyan has been described as the heart of the team, consistently bringing energy and accountability. Whether through on-court encouragement or off-court leadership, he unites his teammates around a shared goal. In a sport as individual as tennis, Kiyan works intentionally to build cohesion and an inclusive team culture.

With over 50 wins, he demonstrates a strong commitment to improvement both on and off the court. While his intensity can be intimidating, he balances it with humor and levity that keeps the team grounded.

As a coach, I value both ownership and coachability—and Kiyan embodies both. He has embraced different coaching approaches and continues to show strong adaptability and a commitment to improvement. His balance of confidence and self-awareness sets him apart, and I’m excited to see how he continues to lead this season.

How could other players learn from Kiyan?
I wish other players would dedicate themselves to more than just hitting a lot. I consistently see Kiyan in the gym working out so he’s in the best overall shape he can be in. He watches tapes to improve strategy, and he researches his opponents to expose their weaknesses. I also want other players to see how engaged he is with his other teammates, which improves the overall culture of the team. He builds others up around him.